East Africa

A New Addis Ababa Is Rising. But Who Is This Urbanization Really For?
News

A New Addis Ababa Is Rising. But Who Is This Urbanization Really For?

As Ethiopia’s capital transforms into a gleaming global city, long-time residents face displacement, rising housing costs, and a fading sense of home.

From El Salvador to South Sudan: Washington’s Third-Country US Immigrant Deportation Policy Hits Africa
News

From El Salvador to South Sudan: Washington’s Third-Country US Immigrant Deportation Policy Hits Africa

America’s immigration crackdown is now exporting migrants to Africa. What does this mean for African countries?

Industrie Africa Turns Five and Opens a New Chapter for African Luxury and Fashion on Zanzibar’s Bawe Island
News

Industrie Africa Turns Five and Opens a New Chapter for African Luxury and Fashion on Zanzibar’s Bawe Island

With the launch of Society of Luxury Artisanship, a new physical concept store and retail consulting arm, the platform expands its mission to bring African design into luxury hospitality spaces.

Siphiwe Tshabalala of South Africa celebrates after scoring the opening goal while Ricardo Osorio and goalkeeper Oscar Perez of Mexico look dejected during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group A match between South Africa and Mexico at Soccer City Stadium on June 11, 2010, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Video

15 Years of OkayAfrica, 15 Defining Moments in Pop Culture, Innovation and Activism

From Afrobeats going global to groundbreaking films, creative innovation, and youth-led protest movements, this video dives into the African moments that have defined the continent’s identity and transformation since OkayAfrica launched in 2010.

What It’s Like To … Be a Competitive Breakdancer in Kenya
What It's Like To...

What It’s Like To … Be a Competitive Breakdancer in Kenya

Acy Kare opens up about finding community, freedom, and wins as a woman in breakdancing.

Op-Ed: As Kenya Protested in the Streets, Faith Kipyegon Ran for History
News

Op-Ed: As Kenya Protested in the Streets, Faith Kipyegon Ran for History

In two days that gripped the nation, Kenyans confronted power at home while chasing possibility abroad.

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon (C) reacts at the end of her race after taking part in the "Breaking4" event, in an attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes, at Stade Charlety on June 26, 2025 in Paris.
Sports

Faith Kipyegon Runs Fastest Women's Time in Her Attempt to Break Four-Minute Mile

The Kenyan Olympian fell short of her goal, but says she's hopeful the barrier will be broken soon.

Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani Could Be New York City's History-Making New Mayor
News

Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani Could Be New York City's History-Making New Mayor

The former rapper turned assemblymember could become NYC’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor, shaking up the City’s political establishment.

A Year Later, Kenya’s Youth Are Still Protesting
News

A Year Later, Kenya’s Youth Are Still Protesting

As thousands return to the streets on the anniversary of the anti-government demonstrations, Gen Zs reflect on last year’s movement and what remains unresolved.

Kenyan Olympian Faith Kipyegon, wearing a white vest, looks off to the side smiling.
Sports

Faith Kipyegon Is Ready to Give It Her All: “This Will Cement My Legacy”

The Kenyan Olympian says she’s feeling strong ahead of her attempt to run a mile in under four minutes on June 26, 2025.

Police Brutality Continues to Play a Central Role as Kenyans Demand Better Governance
News

Police Brutality Continues to Play a Central Role as Kenyans Demand Better Governance

The shooting of a vendor during demonstrations over Albert Ojwang's death has reignited mass protests across Kenya, as young people continue to demand an end to police brutality and years of government impunity.

Official portrait of Kenyan Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat
News

Kenya’s Deputy Police Chief Steps Aside Amid Investigations Into Albert Ojwang’s Death

The blogger and teacher died while being held in police custody following a complaint by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

What It’s Like To … Be a Working Stand-Up Comedian and Satirist in Kenya
What It's Like To...

What It’s Like To … Be a Working Stand-Up Comedian and Satirist in Kenya

Justine Wanda reflects on turning discomfort into punchlines, surviving burnout, and why jokes still matter when everything feels bleak.

A photo of Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge celebrating with the Kenyan flag after busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon.
Featured

The Eliud Kipchoge Marathon Run That Proved “No Human Is Limited”

Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon run in 2019 remains a groundbreaking moment in global sports, and a powerful symbol of African excellence.

The Intergenerational Influence of Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o
News

The Intergenerational Influence of Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o

The great Kenyan author left behind one of the most iconic legacies in world literature. OkayAfrica explores why he’s an enduring man of letters and speaks to writers he influenced.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o sits at a table signing a book during a public event, with a banner behind him displaying “Weep Not, Child Book Signing by Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o” and a crowd of people gathered in the background.
News

A Reading List: 10 Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Works You Should Know

A look at the novels, essays, and poems that made the late Kenyan writer one of the most influential literary and political voices of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Africa’s Next Serve: Angella Okutoyi Is Just Getting Started
Sports

Africa’s Next Serve: Angella Okutoyi Is Just Getting Started

Kenya’s rising tennis star is building her path to the pro tour while dreaming of a future for African talent.

The Ugandan Trial Everyone Should Be Watching
News

The Ugandan Trial Everyone Should Be Watching

As Dr. Kizza Besigye returns to court this week on treason charges, the high-profile case of Uganda’s main opposition leader raises questions about Uganda’s political future ahead of the 2026 elections.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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